A highly motivated and dedicated person required as Country Coordinator for West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA).

Hiring Organization:

The NGO West African Primate Conservation Action, founded in 2001, is an initiative of several European zoos and conservation organisations with the aim of conserving endangered primates in the Upper Guinean Forest of West Africa. Activities are focused on target species, which are endemic to western Ghana and eastern Ivory Coast. In Ghana, in close cooperation with the Wildlife Division, NGO partners and local communities, WAPCA implements conservation activities in areas where viable populations of the target species still exist. WAPCA furthermore collaborates with the Accra Zoo where they have supported the establishment of an Endangered Primate Centre. Education campaigns in urban and rural areas are on-going to raise awareness among local people about primate conservation and the wider impact on ecosystems and climate.

Job Description:

•   We are looking for a long-term Country Coordinator for WAPCA who will be based full-time in Ghana.
•   Activities will take place in Accra, field sites in the Western Region of Ghana and eastern Ivory Coast.
•   The Country Coordinator will be responsible for two full-time staff, short-term field assistants, researchers, students and volunteers.
•   The coordinator works under the direction of the WAPCA Europe and WAPCA Ghana Board of Directors and will be responsible for maintaining WAPCA’s partnership with the Wildlife Division of the Ghana Forestry Commission which allows WAPCA to operate in Ghana. •   Work will consist of the continuation of on-going activities at the Endangered Primate Breeding Centre, the conceptualisation, development and management of field projects, particularly in the area of community-based conservation.
•   Liaison with WAPCA counterparts in Ivory Coast and other local and international partners will be an essential task.
•   Core funding for WAPCA Ghana staff and daily expenses are provided through the support of WAPCA members, however the Country Coordinator will be responsible for fundraising for developments at the Endangered Primate Breeding Centre as well as field based projects.
•   Additional responsibilities include financial administration, regular updates to the WAPCA website and the production of periodic board and sponsor reports.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Experience in field-based conservation and experience working in tropical developing countries is essential.
•   The applicant should have good knowledge of conservation issues in Africa, community-based approaches to conservation, primates and captive animal care.
•   Previous experience of working with local partners and government agencies in developing countries is highly desirable.
•   The applicant should demonstrate proven experience in project management, strong leadership qualities, excellent communication and diplomatic skills, experience with fundraising and grant writing/management and must be prepared to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
•   The ability to work independently, be well organized and reliable is essential.
•   The applicant must have very good spoken and written English, basic French is an advantage.
•   Good computer skills are essential and practical skills (e.g. mechanics, carpentry etc.) are an advantage.

Salary and Benefits:

•   Salary is commensurate with experience.
•   Local accommodation, 4 x4 vehicle, cell phone and internet access, evacuation insurance and one annual return flight are provided.

Term of Appointment:

•   To start in August/September 2014. This is a long-term position.
•   An initial one year renewable contract is provided after which a three year contract will be available to successful incumbent.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

To apply send a covering letter (please state preferred salary), curriculum vitae and references, to the following:
Sandra Reichler, Secretary of WAPCA Europe, e-mail:

sandra.reichler@heidelberg.de

Closing Date: 25 July, 2014

Due to the anticipated large volume of responses, only successful candidates will be contacted for interview.